Tension is where muscles are unable to relax and stay contracted.
Although some kinds of stress can be good for a person, too much can negatively affect a person.Ī face massage aims to reduce stress by relieving muscle tension and decreasing the level of negative hormones around the body.Ī face massage can decrease tension. Stress can affect a person both physically and mentally. An increase in positive hormones around the body can help promote a sense of well-being and allows a person to mentally relax.Ī face massage can help reduce stress. Positive hormones include dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. Psychologically, a face massage relaxes a person by increasing positive hormones around the body. Decreasing tightness allows the muscle to relax and decreases pain. Increased elasticity, increases the range of movement of muscles and therefore decreases tightness. An increase in temperature allows an increase in the elasticity of muscle tissues. A face massage can relax a person both physically and mentally.Ī face massage aims to increase relaxation by relieving muscle tightness and increasing the levels of positive hormones within the body.ĭuring a face massage, muscle temperature is increased due to friction created between the hands and skin. Occasions in which a face massage can help include:Ī face massage can be used to help encourage relaxation. Circular strokes can also be used to decrease tightness and tension within the facial area.Ī face massage can help in many different ways. Circular strokes help to increase circulation to help remove metabolic wastes and exchange them for healthy oxygen and nutrients. Circular strokes are performed using the fingertips or thumbs and can vary in pressure. Breaking down muscular knots and reducing tightness decreases pain and encourages relaxation.Ĭircular strokes can be used during a face massage. When pressure is applied, muscular knots are softened and areas of tightness are reduced. Fingertips and thumbs are used to apply pressure to soft tissue containing pressure and trigger points. Acupressure is a technique performed using the fingertips and thumbs. An increase in blood flow helps to maintain healthy muscles.Īcupressure is another technique used during a face massage. As pressure is released, blood flow is encouraged to the area. An ischemic reaction is where blood flow is restricted due to pressure being applied. An ischemic reaction occurs when using the technique trigger pointing. During a face massage, pressure is placed on trigger points to help break them down. Trigger points are located in the middle of muscle fibres and can create a sense of pain if left untreated. Trigger pointing can be used during a face massage. Increasing temperature allows elasticity to increase therefore decreasing tightness.
Skin rolling helps to improve blood circulation, increasing the temperature of muscles and fascia. Muscles and fascia often become tight due to inelasticity of muscle fibres. Skin rolling helps to decrease tightness of muscles and fascia by picking up and rolling skin between the fingers and thumbs. Skin rolling is a common technique used during a face massage.
Above: soft tissue massage of the facial muscles